Glare screen system

ABSTRACT

A glare screen system comprises a number of glare screen units arranged in an end-to-end manner. Each glare screen unit comprises a number of upright paddles integrally formed with a horizontal rail. The paddles are tapered and hollow, allowing the glare screen unit to be nested on top of another one of the glare screen units. In addition, each glare screen unit comprises a receiver portion and an attachment portion at opposite ends. The receiver portion of one unit is configured to engage with the attachment portion of another unit to form the glare screen system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for screening the glare fromthe opposite side of a highway.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

On divided highways, concrete barriers typically divide one direction ofa highway from the opposite direction. These concrete barriers aretypically placed along the median to separate the opposing directions oftraffic in order to prevent vehicles from one side of a highway fromaccidentally crossing over onto the opposite side and potentiallycausing head-on collisions with oncoming traffic. They are typicallyapproximately two to three feet in height and are designed to withstandthe impact of a vehicle travelling at fairly high speeds.

However, another problem with divided highways, and with roads ingeneral, is that drivers may become disoriented or temporarily blindedfrom the glare of headlights of oncoming vehicles travelling along theother side of the road. This disorientation and temporary blindness mayresult in accidents or unsafe actions by the affected drivers.

In order to alleviate this problem, glare screens have been used. Theseglare screens are typically narrow, flat panels that are installed in arow on top of concrete barriers. These panels are placed at an anglesuch that when they are viewed by drivers from afar, the angle andspacing of the panels effectively block off the view (and glare) fromthe opposite side of the road.

Typically, these panels are made of a stiff material and are bolted,using brackets, to a horizontal rail attached to the top of the concretebarrier. However, these glare screen systems are cumbersome to assembleand install. In addition, because the materials used to make the panelsare typically stiff, the panels do not perform well when impacted. Thepanels will either be ripped off their connections with the horizontalrail, or the panels will provide no give, resulting in a dangeroushigh-impact force.

Therefore, there is a need for a glare screen system that is easy toinstall and that may perform well when impacted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A glare screen system comprises a number of glare screen units arrangedin an end-to-end manner. Each glare screen unit comprises a number ofupright paddles integrally formed with a horizontal rail. The paddlesare tapered and hollow, allowing the glare screen unit to be nested ontop of another one of the glare screen units. In addition, each glarescreen unit comprises a receiver portion and an attachment portion atopposite ends. The receiver portion of one unit is configured to engagewith the attachment portion of another unit to form the glare screensystem.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a glare screen unit foruse in a glare screen system installed on concrete barriers comprises arail and a plurality of paddles. The rail is removably attached to oneof the concrete barriers. The rail comprises first and second ends, anupper surface, an attachment portion proximate to the first end, and areceiver portion proximate to the second end. The attachment portioncomprises one or more protrusions extending from the upper surface. Eachof the protrusions comprises a protrusion wall, a protrusion floorextending across the protrusion wall, and one or more protrusion flooropenings formed in the protrusion floor. The receiver portion comprisesa receiver upper surface offset from the upper surface, and one or moreformed on the receiver upper surface. Each of the depressions comprisesone or more depression walls, one or more depression floors extendingacross the depression walls, and one or more receiver openings formed inthe depression floors. The attachment portion of a first one of theunits is configured to engage with the receiver portion of a second oneof the units, with at least one of the protrusion floor openings of thefirst one of the units aligned with at least one of the receiveropenings of the second one of the units to receive a fastenertherethrough. The plurality of paddles extends substantially verticallyfrom and integrally formed with the upper surface. Each of the paddlescomprises first and second faces and an upper paddle surface. The firstand second paddle faces join to define two paddle ends. The upper paddlesurface extends between upper edges of the first and second paddlefaces. Each of the paddles are tapered such that the paddle ends arecloser together proximate to the upper paddle surface relative toproximate the upper surface. The first and second paddle faces and theupper paddle surface define, at least in part, a paddle enclosure. Thepaddle enclosure is configured to receive, at least in part, the paddleof another one of the units.

In another embodiment, the attachment portion further comprises one ormore protrusion openings formed on the upper surface, with theprotrusion openings defined, at least in part, by the protrusion wall.

In still another embodiment, the glare screen unit further comprises acap configured to engage with one of the protrusion openings.

In a further embodiment, the cap comprises a cap wall, a cap floor, anda cap floor opening. The cap wall is configured to engage with theprotrusion wall. The cap floor is configured to engage with theprotrusion floor. The cap floor opening is formed in the cap floor, withthe cap floor opening aligned with at least one of the protrusion flooropenings.

In yet another embodiment, each of the protrusions further comprises aprotrusion channel proximate to the protrusion wall.

In still yet another embodiment, the cap further comprises a cap surfaceextending from the cap wall. The cap surface comprises a rim that isconfigured to engage with the protrusion channel.

In another embodiment, a glare screen unit for use in a glare screensystem installed on concrete barriers comprises a rail and a pluralityof paddles. The rail is removably attached to one of the concretebarriers. The rail comprises first and second ends, an upper surface, anattachment portion proximate to the first end, and a receiver portionproximate to the second end. The attachment portion comprises one ormore protrusions extending from the upper surface. Each of theprotrusions comprises a protrusion wall, a protrusion floor extendingacross the protrusion wall, and one or more protrusion floor openingsformed in the protrusion floor. The receiver portion comprises areceiver upper surface offset from the upper surface, and one or moreformed on the receiver upper surface. Each of the depressions comprisesone or more depression walls, one or more depression floors extendingacross the depression walls, and one or more receiver openings formed inthe depression floors. The attachment portion of a first one of theunits is configured to engage with the receiver portion of a second oneof the units, with at least one of the protrusion floor openings of thefirst one of the units aligned with at least one of the receiveropenings of the second one of the units to receive a fastenertherethrough. The plurality of paddles extends substantially verticallyfrom and integrally formed with the upper surface.

In yet another embodiment, a glare screen unit for use in a glare screensystem installed on concrete barriers comprises a rail and a pluralityof paddles. The rail is removably attached to one of the concretebarriers. The plurality of paddles extends substantially vertically fromand integrally formed with the upper surface. Each of the paddlescomprises first and second faces and an upper paddle surface. The firstand second paddle faces join to define two paddle ends. The upper paddlesurface extends between upper edges of the first and second paddlefaces. Each of the paddles are tapered such that the paddle ends arecloser together proximate to the upper paddle surface relative toproximate the upper surface. The first and second paddle faces and theupper paddle surface define, at least in part, a paddle enclosure. Thepaddle enclosure is configured to receive, at least in part, the paddleof another one of the units.

In a further embodiment, the first and second faces are angled withrespect to a longitudinal axis of the rail, such that the angle betweena plane extending between the two paddle ends and the longitudinal axisis between approximately 60° to 70°.

In still a further embodiment, the angle between the plane extendingbetween the two paddle ends and the longitudinal axis is betweenapproximately 65°.

In yet still a further embodiment, the paddles taper to a greater degreeproximate to the paddle ends than proximate to a vertical midline of thefirst or second paddle faces.

In another embodiment, the paddles taper proximate to the paddle ends atan angle of approximately 2.7°.

In still another embodiment, the paddles taper proximate to the verticalmidline of the first or second paddle faces at an angle of approximately2.5°

In still yet another embodiment, an angle formed by a line joining oneof the paddle ends of one of the paddles with an opposite one of thepaddle ends of an adjacent one of the paddles with a longitudinal axisof the rail varies along a height of the paddles.

In still another embodiment, the angle is greatest proximate to theupper surface and least proximate to the upper paddle surface.

In a further embodiment, the glare screen unit is formed from a plasticmaterial.

In yet a further embodiment, the plastic material is an elastomericmaterial.

The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of theaspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits orrequirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will beappreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferredembodiments. Moreover, this summary should be read as though the claimswere incorporated herein for completeness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by reference to the detailed descriptionand to the drawings thereof in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a glare screen system in accordance with one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual glare screen unit of theglare screen system in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the unit of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the unit of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 depicts two units connected together;

FIG. 6 depicts three units connected together;

FIG. 7 are partial views showing the first and second ends of the unit;

FIG. 8 is a partial view showing two units connected together in oneconfiguration;

FIG. 9 is a partial view showing two units connected together in anotherconfiguration;

FIG. 10 is a partial view showing two units connected together, asviewed from below;

FIG. 11 is a sectional partial view showing two units connectedtogether, without the cap and fastener;

FIG. 12 is a sectional partial view showing two units connectedtogether, without the cap and fastener, as viewed from below;

FIG. 13 is another partial view showing two units connected together,with the cap and fastener;

FIG. 14 is an exploded partial view showing two units connectedtogether, with the caps and fasteners;

FIG. 15 is a sectional partial view showing two units connectedtogether, with the cap and fastener;

FIG. 16 is an exploded sectional partial view showing two unitsconnected together, with the cap and fastener;

FIG. 17 is a partial view showing two units connected together, with thecap;

FIG. 18 is a sectional partial view showing two units connectedtogether, with the cap;

FIG. 19 is a sectional partial view showing two units connectedtogether;

FIG. 20 is a sectional partial view showing two units in the process ofbeing separated;

FIG. 21 depicts one unit being removed from a set of three units on aconcrete barrier;

FIG. 22 depicts one unit being stacked on one of the other two units onthe concrete barrier;

FIG. 23 depicts the concrete barrier being moved;

FIG. 24 depicts concrete barriers of different lengths with the unitsattached;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the unit;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the unit of FIG. 25 , taken alongH1;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the unit of FIG. 25 , taken alongH2;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the unit of FIG. 25 , taken alongH3;

FIG. 29 shows one embodiment of a number of units stacked together;

FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of a number of units stacked together;

FIG. 31 shows another embodiment of the unit;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the unit;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 32 ;

FIG. 34 is a view of two of the units of FIG. 32 installed on a concretebarrier; and

FIG. 35 is another view of two of the units of FIG. 32 installed on aconcrete barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , a glare screen system 10 comprises one or moreglare screen units 12 arranged in a substantially end-to-endconfiguration. Each of the glare screen unit 12 comprises one or moresubstantially upright and hollow paddles 14 extending from asubstantially horizontal rail 16. Preferably, the paddles 14 areintegrally formed with the rail 16, although it is also possible thatthe paddles 14 are connected to the rail 16 using other means, such asusing mechanical fasteners. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , three ofthe units 12 are shown connected end-to-end, but it is understood thatmany more of the units 12 may be connected together in a similar manner.The glare screen system 10 may be installed on top of a concrete barrier2 (such as those used as part of a highway divider for a highway 8), asshown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 , each of the units 12 preferably comprisesfour paddles 14; however, in other embodiments, the number of paddles 14may be greater or may be fewer. The rail 16 comprises an upper surface18 and two sidewalls 20 that extend generally downwardly from the uppersurface 18. Preferably, the upper surface 18 comprises lateral edges 21,with the sidewalls 20 extending proximate from the lateral edges 21. Thepaddles 14 preferably extend upwardly from the upper surface 18.

The rail 16 further comprises first and second ends 22, 24. The firstend 22 of the rail 16 for one of the units 12 is configured to engagewith the second end 24 of the rail 16 for another of the units 12. Forexample, FIG. 5 depicts two of the units 12 a, 12 b connected together.Similarly, FIG. 6 depicts three of the units 12 a, 12 b, 12 c connectedtogether. The second end 24 a of the unit 12 a is configured to engagewith the first end 22 b of the unit 12 b so that the units 12 a, 12 bmay be arranged in an end-to-end configuration. Similarly, the secondend 24 b of the unit 12 b is configured to engage with the first end 22c of the unit 12 c so that the units 12 b, 12 c may be arranged in anend-to-end configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 , each of the paddles 14 preferably comprisesfirst and second faces 26, 28. The first and second faces 26, 28 arepreferably curved, as shown in FIG. 3 , such that the paddles 14 aresubstantially hollow and have a generally elliptical cross-section. Eachof the first and second faces 26, 28 comprises an upper face edge 27.Each of the paddles 14 also comprises an upper paddle surface 66extending between the first and second faces 26, 28 proximate to theupper face edges 27. Because of the curvature of the first and secondfaces 26, 28, the upper paddle surface 66 preferably has a generallyelliptical shape.

The paddles 14 further comprise two opposing paddle ends 63 that extendfor substantially the entire height of the paddles 14, with the firstand second faces 26, 28 joining at the paddle ends 63. Therefore, thefirst and second faces 26, 28 and the upper paddle surface 66 generallydefine, at least in part, a paddle enclosure 65.

Although the paddles 14 preferably extend substantially perpendicularlyfrom a longitudinal axis 30 of the rail 16, the first and second faces26, 28 themselves are preferably angled. In other words, when the unit12 is viewed from above, the first and second faces 26, 28 of thepaddles 14 are generally oriented at an angle A to the longitudinal axis30, as best shown in FIG. 3 ). For example, a plane P that extendsbetween the two paddle ends 63 would form the angle A with thelongitudinal axis 30. The angle A is preferably the same for all of thepaddles 14 on the rail 16. In one embodiment, the angle A may be betweenapproximately 60° to 70°, or more preferably approximately 65°. However,other angles for the angle A may also be used. At least in part becauseof the angling of the paddles 14, when the unit 12 is viewed from afarand askew (e.g. by a driver driving along one side of the road), theview through the paddles 14 (e.g. of the opposite side of the unit 12)is at least partially obscured.

The paddles 14 are preferably substantially hollow. The paddles 14 arealso preferably tapered, such that a horizontal distance between the twopaddles edges 63 is closer together proximate the upper paddle surface66 than proximate the upper surface 18. The degree of tapering of thepaddles 14 preferably varies depending on the particular location alongthe first and second faces 26, 28. For example, in one embodiment, thedegree of tapering of the first and second faces 26, 28 along proximatetheir vertical midlines M (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is preferablyapproximately 2.5°, while the degree of tapering of the first and secondfaces 26, 28 proximate the paddle ends 63 is preferably approximately2.7°. Therefore, the paddles 14 are preferably slightly more taperedalong the paddle ends 63 than along the vertical midlines M of the firstand second faces 26, 28.

In addition, the thickness of the paddles 14 preferably varies dependingon the particular location along the first and second faces 26, 28. Forexample, in one embodiment, the thickness of the first and second faces26, 28 along proximate the vertical midlines M is preferablyapproximately 2.0 mm, while the thickness of the first and second faces26, 28 proximate the paddle ends 63 is preferably approximately 2.5 mm.Therefore, the paddles 14 are preferably thicker along the paddle ends63 than along the vertical midlines M of the first and second faces 26,28.

Referring to FIG. 7 , proximate to the second end 24, the rail 16comprises a receiver portion 34. The receiver portion 34 of one of theunits 12 is configured to engage with an attachment portion 36 proximateto the first end 22 of an adjacent one of the units 12.

The receiver portion 34 comprises a receiver upper surface 38 and tworeceiver sidewalls 40 that extend generally downwardly from the receiverupper surface 38. Preferably, the receiver upper surface 38 comprisestwo receiver lateral edges 39 and a receiver longitudinal edge 41, withthe receiver sidewalls 40 extending proximate from the receiver lateraledges 39. The receiver portion 34 may also comprise a receiver end wall43 extending generally downwardly from the receiver upper surface 38proximate from the receiver longitudinal edge 41.

The receiver upper surface 38 is preferably narrower than the uppersurface 18, and the receiver sidewalls 40 are preferably shorter thanthe sidewalls 20, such that the receiver upper surface 38 is offset fromthe upper surface 18, and the receiver sidewalls 40 are offset from thesidewalls 20, as shown in FIG. 7 . When the receiver portion 34 of oneof units 12 is engaged with the attachment portion 36 of another of theunits 12, the resulting engagement results in a relatively smooth andcontinuous transition between the upper surfaces 18 of the units 12 anda relatively smooth and continuous transition between the sidewalls 20of the units 12, as shown in FIG. 8 .

The receiver upper surface 38 comprises one or more depressions 42. Thedepressions 42 are preferably spaced inwardly from the receiver lateraledges 39 in order to provide additional structural integrity to thedepressions 42. The depressions 42 may also be spaced inwardly from thereceiver longitudinal edge 41.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the depression 42 comprise a singledepression with a substantially “figure-eight” (or lemniscate) shapecomprising first and second lobes 44, 46. The first and second lobes 44,46 are substantially circular in shape, although there may be someoverlap between the first and second lobes 44, 46. In other embodiments,other shapes or other numbers of depressions 42 may also be possible.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 17 , the depression 42 comprises one or moredepression walls 82 that extends from and is continuous with thereceiver upper surface 38. Preferably, the depression walls 82 aresubstantially vertical and defines, at least in part, the first andsecond lobes 44, 46. The depression 42 further comprises one or moredepression floors 84 extending across the depression walls 82.Preferably, the depression floors 84 are substantially horizontal anddefines, at least in part, the lower surface of the depression 42. Thedepression floors 84 may comprise one or more receiver openings 48 forreceiving fasteners 50 therethrough for attaching the unit 12 to theconcrete barrier 2, as shown in FIG. 1 . The fasteners 50 may includeanchors, bolts, screws, or other suitable mechanical fasteners. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7 , one of the receiver openings 48 is locatedin the depression floors 84 within each of the first and second lobes44, 46.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the attachment portion 36 is located proximate tothe first end 22. The upper surface 18 and the two sidewalls 20generally define, at least in part, a slot 64 at the first end 22 of therail 16 that allows the first end 22 to fit over the receiver uppersurface 38 of an adjacent one of the units 12.

The attachment portion 36 comprises one or more downwardly-extendingprotrusions 56 that are configured to engage with the depressions 42. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 , the protrusions 56 comprise asingle, generally round protrusion that is configured to engage with oneof either the first lobe 44 or the second lobe 46. The protrusions 56comprise a first protrusion wall 86 extending from the upper surface 18.Preferably, the first protrusion wall 86 extends substantiallyvertically for at least a portion of a height of the rail 16. A secondprotrusion wall 88 extends inwardly and substantially perpendicularlyfrom the first protrusion wall 86. A third protrusion wall 90 extendssubstantially vertically from the second protrusion wall 86. As bestseen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first and third protrusion walls 86, 90are preferably offset from each other. In addition, the first, second,and third protrusion walls 86, 88, 90 define a protrusion channel 92.Preferably, the first, second, and third protrusion walls 86, 88, 90 aresubstantially circular walls.

Each of the protrusions 56 may further comprise a protrusion floor 94that extends within the third protrusion wall 90 (e.g. when the thirdprotrusion wall 90 is substantially circular). Preferably, theprotrusion floor 94 is substantially horizontal and defines, at least inpart, the lower surface of the protrusions 56. The protrusion floor 94may comprise one or more protrusion floor openings 58 that areconfigured to receive the fasteners 50 therethrough. The protrusionfloor openings 58 preferably coincide with the receiver openings 48 inorder to allow the fasteners 50 to pass through both the receiveropenings 48 and the protrusion floor openings 58 simultaneously in orderto both secure two of the units 12 together and to secure the units 12to the concrete barrier 2.

The protrusion 56 is configured to engage with the depression 42. Inparticular, the third protrusion wall 90 is configured to engage withthe depression wall 82 for one of the first and second lobes 44, 46.Similarly, the protrusion floor 94 is configured to engage with thedepression floor 84 for one of the first and second lobes 44, 46, asshown in FIGS. 11 and 12 .

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17 , the intersection of the upper surface 18with the first protrusion wall 86 results in a protrusion opening 96 onthe upper surface 18. A cap 100 may be provided to fit within and engagethe protrusion opening 96. The cap 100 is generally round and comprisesa generally planar cap surface 102 with a circular cap opening 104formed thereon. The cap surface 102 comprises an outer cap rim 106 thatextends generally downwardly. A cap wall 108 extends downwardly from thecap surface 102, proximate to the cap opening 104. The cap wall 108 is asubstantially circular wall. A cap floor 110 extends within the cap wall108 (e.g., when the cap wall 108 is substantially circular). Preferably,the cap floor 110 is substantially horizontal and defines, at least inpart, the lower surface of the cap 100. The cap floor 110 may compriseone or more cap floor openings 112 for receiving the fasteners 50therethrough. The cap floor openings 112 preferably coincide with theprotrusion floor openings 58 (and the receiver openings 48).

The cap 100 is configured to engage with the protrusion opening 96.Preferably, the cap rim 106 is configured to engage in the protrusionchannel 92. In addition, the cap wall 108 is preferably configured toengage with the third protrusion wall 90, and the cap floor 110 ispreferably configured to engage with the protrusion floor 94, as shownin FIG. 15 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the rail 16 may comprise one or more ribs 62extending generally downwardly from the upper surface 18. Preferably,the ribs 62 extend from the upper surface 18 proximate to where thepaddles 14 extend from the upper surface 18. The ribs 62 may extendbetween the sidewalls 20 and generally follow the curvature of the firstand second faces 26, 28. The ribs 62 increase the strength and rigidityof the rail 16. The receiver upper surface 38 may comprise one or moregrooves 60 formed thereon. The grooves 60 are configured to engage withthe ribs 62. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , two of thegrooves 60 are formed on the receiver upper surface 38, on either sideof the second lobe 46. The grooves 60 are preferably sized and orientedto align with one of the ribs 62. The engagement of the ribs 62 into thegrooves 60 improves torsional stability when two of the units 12 areconnected together.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20 , each of the sidewalls 20 preferablycomprises an inwardly extending ledge 52 that extends from at least aportion of the sidewalls 20 proximate to the first end 22. Each of thereceiver sidewalls 40 preferably comprises an outwardly extendingprojection 54 that extends from at least a portion of the receiversidewalls 40 proximate to the second end 24. The ledge 52 is configuredto engage with the projection 54 in helping to secure two of the units12 together. Referring to FIG. 19 , an angled ledge surface 53 islocated proximate to the ledge 52, and an angled projection surface 55is located proximate to the projection 54. When two of the units 12 areconnected together, the ledge surface 53 will be initially pushed downon and engage the projection surface 55. The angling of the ledgesurface 53 and the projection surface 55 will cause the sidewalls 20 tosplay apart slightly, until the ledge surface 53 is pushed past theprojection surface 55, at which time the sidewalls 20 will revert backto their original form, resulting in the configuration shown in FIG. 19. In this configuration, two of the units 12 may be held and transportedtogether.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in order to disengage the units 12, the portionof the sidewalls 20 proximate to the ledge 52 may be pulled apart (e.g.by hand) until the ledges 52 are no longer in engagement with theprojections 54, thus allowing one of the units 12 to be lifted off theother one of the units 12.

One or more rail passages 76 may also be formed on the upper surface 18.The rail passages 76 are generally round and comprises a first passagewall 114 extending downwardly from the upper surface 18. The firstpassage wall 114 defines a rail opening 116 on the upper surface 18.Preferably, the first passage wall 114 extends substantially verticallyfor at least a portion of a height of the rail 16. A second passage wall118 extends inwardly and substantially perpendicularly from the firstpassage wall 114. A third passage wall 120 extends substantiallyvertically from the second passage wall 118. As best seen in FIGS. 15and 16 , the first and third passage walls 114, 120 are preferablyoffset from each other. In addition, the first, second, and thirdpassage walls 114, 118, and 120 define a passage channel 122.

Each of the rail passages 76 may further comprise a passage floor 124that extends across the third passage wall 120. Preferably, the passagefloors 124 are substantially horizontal and defines, at least in part,the lower surface of the rail passages 76. The passage floors 124 maycomprise one or more passage floor openings 126 that are configured toreceive the fasteners 50 therethrough for securing the rail 16 to theconcrete barrier 2.

The caps 100 may also be used with the rail passages 76. The cap 100 isconfigured to engage with the rail passages 76. Preferably, the railpassages 76 and the protrusions 56 have similar dimensions, such thatthe cap rim 106 is also able to engage in the passage channel 122. Inaddition, the cap wall 108 is also able to engage with the third passagewall 120, and the cap floor 110 is preferably able to engage with thepassage floor 124.

The process for installing the glare screen system 10 will now bedescribed. FIG. 5 depicts two of the units 12 a, 12 b; however, it isunderstood that the glare screen system 10 may include many more of theunits 12.

One of the units 12 a may be first secured to the concrete barrier 2.The concrete barrier 2 will have openings drilled therein for receivingthe fasteners 50. The unit 12 a is placed on the concrete barrier 2 suchthat at least one of the rail passages 76 a is aligned with thepre-drilled openings in the concrete barrier. One or more of the caps100 a are inserted into corresponding one or more of the rail passages76 a. The fasteners 50 are then applied through the cap openings 104 aand the passage floor openings 126 a, in order to secure the rail 16 ato the concrete barrier 2.

The unit 12 b is then placed such that the protrusion 56 b is insertedinto one of the first or second lobes 44 a, 46 a of the unit 12 a. Inother words, the first end 22 b of the unit 12 b overlaps somewhat withthe second end 24 a of the unit 12 a, with the receiver portion 34 aplaced through the slot 64 b. Because of the presence of the ledges 52 band the projections 54 a, it may be necessary to first force thesidewalls 20 b slightly apart laterally (i.e. by pulling the sidewalls20 b apart) proximate to the first end 22 b, as shown in FIG. 17 . Thisallows the ledges 52 b to slide past the projections 54 a. Once theledges 52 b have slid past the projections 54 b, the sidewalls 20 a maybe released, allowing them to revert to their original configuration.However, the receiver portion 34 a will now be held in place within theslot 36 b by the engagement of the ledges 52 b with the projections 54a.

One of the caps 100 b is then placed into the protrusion opening 96 b.One of the fasteners 50 is then applied through the cap floor opening112, the protrusion floor opening 58 b, and the receiver opening 48 a tosecure both the units 12 a, 12 b to the concrete barrier 2. For example,the fasteners 50 may comprise a concrete expansion anchor 128, whichextends through the cap floor opening 112, the protrusion floor opening58 b, and the receiver opening 48 a, and a nut 130 that threadablyengages the anchor 128, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 .

Subsequent ones of the units 12 may be attached in a similar manner.

Referring to FIG. 3 , preferably, the first and second lobes 44, 46 aresubstantially circular, with centers C1 and C2, respectively. In oneembodiment, the distance between the centers C1, C2 is approximately 1inch. By allowing the units 12 to be connected to each other usingeither of the first or second lobes 44, 46, a finer adjustment of theoverall length of the glare screen system 10 can be made. For example,when the unit 12 a is connected to unit 12 b with the protrusion 56 binserted into the first lobe 44 a (as shown in FIG. 8 ), the overalllength of the two units 12 a, 12 b connected together would beapproximately 1 inch shorter than if the protrusion 56 b is insertedinto the second 46 a (as shown in FIG. 9 ).

In one embodiment, the unit 12 has a length of approximately 1337 mm, awidth of approximately 150 mm, and a height of approximately 620 mm.However, it is understood that other dimensions for the unit 12 are alsopossible.

FIG. 18 depict a sectional view of the units 12 a, 12 b connectedtogether. Because of the engagement of the protrusion 56 b with thedepression 42 a and the engagement of the cap 100 with the protrusion 56b, there is effectively a triple layer of material that connect theunits 12 a, 12 b together (i.e. such as the depression wall 82 a, thethird protrusion wall 90 b, and the cap wall 108, or such as thedepression floor 84 a, the protrusion floor 94 b, and the cap floor110). This layering increases the strength of the connection pointbetween the units 12 a, 12 b, by helping the connection resist twistingor breakage when impacted (such as by a vehicle). The connection betweenthe units 12 a, 12 b is further strengthened by the engagement of thecap rim 106 with the protrusion channel 92 b.

As described above, the paddles 14 are substantially hollow. The paddles14 may be integrally formed with the rail 16 to form the unit 12.However, the region of the first and/or second faces 26, 28 proximate towhere they meet with the upper surface 18 may preferably comprisethinned sections 132 that extend for at least a portion of the height ofthe first and/or second faces 26, 28, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 . Inother words, the first and second faces 26, 28 at the thinned sections132 are thinner than the walls at other portions of the unit 12. Thethinned sections 132 promote the bending (or breaking) of the paddles 14in the areas proximate to or at the thinned sections 132 when thepaddles 14 are impacted.

Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24 , the modular and stackable nature of theunits 12 in the glare screen system 10 allows for flexibility ininstalling and removing the units 12. For example, once the units 12 d,12 e, 12 f are attached to the concrete barrier 2, it is possible toremove one of the units 12 (e.g. unit 12 e as shown in FIG. 21 ) byremoving the fasteners 50 associated with the unit 12 e. The removedunit 12 e can then be stacked on top of another of the remaining one ofthe units 12 c, as shown in FIG. 22 (and described in more detailbelow). The concrete barrier 2 can also be moved (with the remainingunits 12 still attached) using a barrier lift 6, as shown in FIG. 23 .This allows the concrete barrier 2 to be moved without having to removeall of the units 12 from the concrete barrier 2.

Referring to FIG. 24 , concrete barriers 2 with the units 12 attachedmay be of different lengths. For example, FIG. 24 depicts concretebarriers 2 a, 2 b, 2 c with lengths 20 feet, 12.5 feet, and 12 feet,respectively. The concrete barriers 2 a, 2 b, 2 c may be stored side byside, with the units 12 still attached.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 28 , because of the tapered nature of thepaddles 14, the angle formed by opposing paddle ends 63 of adjacent onesof the paddles 14 changes along the height of the paddles 14. FIGS. 26to 28 depict cross-sectional views of the unit 12 at different heightsalong the paddles 14 (i.e. at heights H1, H2, H3 of FIG. 25 ). Forexample, paddles 14 a, 14 b on the unit 12 have opposing paddle ends 63a, 63 b. Lines L1, L2, L3 connect the paddle end 63 a with the paddleend 63 b at heights H1, H2, H3, respectively. The lines L1, L2, L3 formangles B1, B2, B3 with the longitudinal axis 30. At the heights H1, H2,H3 shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 , the angle B1 is approximately 22.25°, theangle B2 is approximately 27.17°, and the angle B3 is approximately32.95°. The angle B1 corresponds to a height proximate to the upperpaddle surface 66, the angle B2 corresponds to a height at a midpoint ofthe paddle 14, and the angle B3 corresponds to a height proximate to theattachment of the paddle 14 to the upper surface 18.

Referring to FIGS. 26 to 28 , the angles B1, B2, B3 provide anapproximation of the degree of visibility through the paddles 14 at therespective heights H1, H2, H3. Therefore, the degree of visibilitythrough the paddles 14 is the greatest proximate to the top of thepaddles 14 and it decreases moving down the paddles 14 (with the leastdegree of visibility proximate to the bottom of the paddles 14). Becauseof the tapering of the paddles 14, there is a smooth transition fromgreater visibility blocking (proximate to the bottom of the paddles 14)to lesser visibility blocking (proximate to the top of the paddles 14)along the height of the paddles 14. For example, the headlights fromoncoming vehicles (which are typically lower) may be visually blocked bythe paddles 14 to a greater degree than compared to higher parts of thesame vehicles (which may be visually blocked by the paddles 14 to alesser degree as they would correspond to being higher up through thepaddles 14).

The use of conventional high walls along the sides of a highway or roadmay make motorists nervous when driving next to them. However, the glarescreen system 10 provides a visual barrier without having to use aheavy, full wall.

The unit 12 may be made from a plastic material using injection moldingtechniques. In one embodiment, a softer plastic material may be used inmaking the unit 12 such that when the paddles 14 are deflected (such asby vehicle impact), the paddles 14 will tend to revert back to theiroriginal orientation. This is less dangerous for drivers because thepaddles 14 are less likely to shatter upon impact (creating debris).Preferably, the unit 12 may be made from am elastomeric material (suchas thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic olefins).

The use of a softer plastic material in making the unit 12 also allowsfor people to pass through the paddles 14, such as in an emergency.Because the softer plastic material allows the paddles 14 to bend moreeasily, a person is able to temporarily push down the paddles 14 inorder to pass across. Conventional glare screens typically have rigidpanels that are not able to be pushed down (except under extreme force).

The use of softer plastic material in making the unit 12 also allows forsnow to more easily slough off the paddles 14, especially when snowplowspush snow onto the paddles 14.

Because of the substantially hollow nature of the paddles 14 and thetapering of the paddles 14, the units 12 may be stacked vertically. Forexample, the paddles 14 of one of the units 12 may be inserted over thepaddles 14 of the second one of the units 12. Preferably, the upperpaddle surface 66 comprises one or more protruding stops 68 (seen inFIG. 12 ) that extend into the paddle enclosure 65. The stops 68 preventthe units 12 from sticking together when stacked. This sticking togetheror adherence of the units 12 may make later separation of the units 12much more difficult. For example, when two of the units 12 a, 12 b arestacked together, with the unit 12 a stacked on the unit 12 b, the stops68 a on the unit 12 a would come into contact with the upper paddlesurface 66 b on the unit 12 b and prevent the paddles 14 a from anyfurther downward movement with respect to the paddles 14 b. In thismanner, the amount of contact between the first and second faces 26 a,26 a of the paddles 14 a and the first and second faces 26 b, 28 b ofthe paddles 14 b is limited, thus reducing the likelihood of the paddles14 a, 14 b sticking or adhering to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30 , multiple ones of the units 12 may bestacked and arranged together, such as for storage when not in use. Forexample, FIG. 29 depicts one possible arrangement of the units 12, witheight rows 70 of the units 12 arranged in a side-by-side configuration,with each of the rows 70 comprising nine of the units 12 stacked on topof each other. Furthermore, one or more straps 72 may be provided. Thestraps 72 are generally planar and comprise a plurality of strapopenings 74. The strap openings 74 are configured to engage with thepaddles 14. In particular, the strap openings 74 are preferably sized sothat the paddles 14 are able to pass through (at least partially) thestrap openings 74.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29 , eight rows 70 of theunits 12 (i.e. 12 g, 12 h, 12 i, 12 j, 12 k, 12 l, 12 m, 12 n) arearranged in a side-by-side configuration. Each of the units 12 g, 12 h,12 i, 12 j, 12 k, 12 l, 12 m, 12 n are stacked on top of eight furtherunits 12. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29 , a total of 72of the units 12 may be arranged together and placed on a pallet 4.

Two of the straps 72 (i.e. 72 a, 72 b) are provided, with one of thestraps 72 a fitted over one of the paddles 14 for each of the units 12g, 12 h, 12 i, 12 j, 12 k, 12 l, 12 m, 12 n. Another of the straps 72 bis fitted over another one of the paddles 14 for each of the units 12 g,12 h, 12 i, 12 j, 12 k, 12 l, 12 m, 12 n. The straps 72 a, 72 b assistin securing the rows 70 of the units 12 in place and prevent the units12 from toppling over. Although FIG. 29 depicts the use of two of thestraps 72, it is understood that a greater or lesser number of thestraps 72 may also be used.

Referring to FIG. 30 , different numbers of the units 12 may be stackedand arranged together. For example, FIG. 30 depicts eight of the rows 70of the units 12, with each of the rows 70 comprising twenty-six of theunits 12 stacked on top of each other. A number of the straps 72 areused (e.g. six in FIG. 30 ) at various heights in order to secure thearrangement of units 12 together.

Referring to FIG. 31 , in another embodiment of the unit 12, thereceiver portion 34 may be omitted from the second end 24. This may beuseful when the unit 12 is to be installed on a concrete barrier withthe second end proximate to an end of the concrete barrier 2. The railpassages 76 may be used for receiving fasteners 50 to secure the unit 12onto the concrete barrier 2.

The orientation of the paddles 14 (e.g. the angle between the plane Pand the longitudinal axis 30) in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 31is appropriate for use on highway medians in jurisdictions withright-hand traffic. However, for jurisdictions with left-hand traffic,the orientation of the paddles 14 would be a mirror image, as shown inFIGS. 32 to 35 . FIGS. 32 to 35 depict an embodiment of the unit 12 thatwould be appropriate in jurisdictions with left-hand traffic.Furthermore, the unit 12 would also be appropriate in jurisdictions withright-hand traffic if used on the right side of the highway (rather thanin the middle). This may be the case, for example, where a frontage roadruns on the right side of the highway.

FIGS. 34 and 35 depict examples of a possible view experienced bydrivers driving past the glare screen system 10 installed on a concretebarrier 2. FIGS. 34 and 35 depict how the units 12 partially obscure theview of drivers through the paddles 14.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferredembodiment has been described in some detail but that certainmodifications may be practiced without departing from the principles ofthe invention.

1. A glare screen unit for use in a glare screen system installed onconcrete barriers, the unit comprising: a rail removably attached to oneof the concrete barriers, the rail comprising: first and second ends; anupper surface; an attachment portion proximate to the first end, theattachment portion comprising: one or more protrusions extending fromthe upper surface, each of the protrusions comprising: a protrusionwall; a protrusion floor extending across the protrusion wall; and oneor more protrusion floor openings formed in the protrusion floor; areceiver portion proximate to the second end, the receiver portioncomprising: a receiver upper surface offset from the upper surface; andone or more depressions formed on the receiver upper surface, each ofthe depressions comprising: one or more depression walls; one or moredepression floors extending across the depression walls; and one or morereceiver openings formed in the depression floors; wherein theattachment portion of a first one of the units is configured to engagewith the receiver portion of a second one of the units, with at leastone of the protrusion floor openings of the first one of the unitsaligned with at least one of the receiver openings of the second one ofthe units to receive a fastener therethrough; and a plurality of paddlesextending substantially vertically from and integrally formed with theupper surface, each of the paddles comprising: first and second paddlefaces, the first and second paddle faces joining to define two paddleends; and an upper paddle surface extending between upper edges of thefirst and second paddle faces; wherein each of the paddles are taperedsuch that the paddle ends are closer together proximate to the upperpaddle surface relative to proximate the upper surface; and wherein thefirst and second paddle faces and the upper paddle surface define, atleast in part, a paddle enclosure; wherein the paddle enclosure isconfigured to receive, at least in part, the paddle of another one ofthe units.
 2. The glare screen unit of claim 1, wherein the attachmentportion further comprises one or more protrusion openings formed on theupper surface, the protrusion openings defined, at least in part, by theprotrusion wall.
 3. The glare screen unit of claim 2, further comprisinga cap configured to engage with one of the protrusion openings.
 4. Theglare screen unit of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises: a cap wall thatis configured to engage with the protrusion wall; a cap floor that isconfigured to engage with the protrusion floor; and a cap floor openingformed in the cap floor, the cap floor opening aligned with at least oneof the protrusion floor openings;
 5. The glare screen unit of claim 4,wherein each of the protrusions further comprises a protrusion channelproximate to the protrusion wall.
 6. The glare screen unit of claim 5,wherein the cap further comprises a cap surface extending from the capwall, the cap surface comprising a rim that is configured to engage withthe protrusion channel.
 7. A glare screen unit for use in a glare screensystem installed on concrete barriers, the unit comprising: a railremovably attached to one of the concrete barriers, the rail comprising:first and second ends; an upper surface; an attachment portion proximateto the first end, the attachment portion comprising: one or moreprotrusions extending from the upper surface, each of the protrusionscomprising: a protrusion wall; a protrusion floor extending across theprotrusion wall; and one or more protrusion floor openings formed in theprotrusion floor; a receiver portion proximate to the second end, thereceiver portion comprising: a receiver upper surface offset from theupper surface; and one or more depressions formed on the receiver uppersurface, each of the depressions comprising: one or more depressionwalls; one or more depression floors extending across the depressionwalls; and one or more receiver openings formed in the depressionfloors; wherein the attachment portion of a first one of the units isconfigured to engage with the receiver portion of a second one of theunits, with at least one of the protrusion floor openings of the firstone of the units aligned with at least one of the receiver openings ofthe second one of the units to receive a fastener therethrough; and aplurality of paddles extending substantially vertically from andintegrally formed with the upper surface.
 8. The glare screen unit ofclaim 7, wherein the attachment portion further comprises one or moreprotrusion openings formed on the upper surface, the protrusion openingsdefined, at least in part, by the protrusion wall.
 9. The glare screenunit of claim 8, further comprising a cap configured to engage with oneof the protrusion openings.
 10. The glare screen unit of claim 9,wherein the cap comprises: a cap wall that is configured to engage withthe protrusion wall; a cap floor that is configured to engage with theprotrusion floor; and a cap floor opening formed in the cap floor, thecap floor opening aligned with at least one of the protrusion flooropenings;
 11. The glare screen unit of claim 10, wherein each of theprotrusions further comprises a protrusion channel proximate to theprotrusion wall.
 12. The glare screen unit of claim 11, wherein the capfurther comprises a cap surface extending from the cap wall, the capsurface comprising a rim that is configured to engage with theprotrusion channel.
 13. A glare screen unit for use in a glare screensystem installed on concrete barriers, the unit comprising: a railremovably attached to one of the concrete barriers; and a plurality ofpaddles extending substantially vertically from and integrally formedwith the upper surface, each of the paddles comprising: first and secondpaddle faces, the first and second paddle faces joining to define twopaddle ends; and an upper paddle surface extending between upper edgesof the first and second paddle faces; wherein each of the paddles aretapered such that the paddle ends are closer together proximate to theupper paddle surface relative to proximate the upper surface; andwherein the first and second paddle faces and the upper paddle surfacedefine, at least in part, a paddle enclosure; wherein the paddleenclosure is configured to receive, at least in part, the paddle ofanother one of the units.
 14. The glare screen unit of claim 13, whereinthe first and second faces are angled with respect to a longitudinalaxis of the rail, such that the angle between a plane extending betweenthe two paddle ends and the longitudinal axis is between approximately60° to 70°.
 15. The glare screen unit of claim 14, wherein the anglebetween the plane extending between the two paddle ends and thelongitudinal axis is between approximately 65°.
 16. The glare screenunit of claim 13, wherein the paddles taper to a greater degreeproximate to the paddle ends than proximate to a vertical midline of thefirst or second paddle faces.
 17. The glare screen unit of claim 16,wherein the paddles taper proximate to the paddle ends at an angle ofapproximately 2.7°.
 18. The glare screen unit of claim 16, wherein thepaddles taper proximate to the vertical midline of the first or secondpaddle faces at an angle of approximately 2.5°
 19. The glare screen unitof claim 13, wherein an angle formed by a line joining one of the paddleends of one of the paddles with an opposite one of the paddle ends of anadjacent one of the paddles with a longitudinal axis of the rail variesalong a height of the paddles.
 20. The glare screen unit of claim 19,wherein the angle is greatest proximate to the upper surface and leastproximate to the upper paddle surface.
 21. The glare screen unit ofclaim 1, wherein the glare screen unit is formed from a plasticmaterial.
 22. The glare screen unit of claim 21, wherein the plasticmaterial is an elastomeric material.